Reproductive Physiology

Female Goat’s maturation age is between 4 to 6 months. A female goat under this age can go into fertilization. Between September and March; fertility lasts up to three days. Does of any breed come into heat every 21 days for from 2 – 48 hours.
A Doe in heat typically flags her tail often, stays near the buck if one is present. She becomes more vocal, and may also show a decrease in appetite and milk production for the duration of the heat. This period also known as the ‘period of Rut’. The ‘Rut’ is characterized by a decrease in appetite, obsessive interest in the Does, fighting between Bucks, a different display of behaviour and, most notably, a strong odour. If the female goat is not mated, she will come into season every 21 days.
Once mated, goat can stay in milk for two to three years. After fertilization female goat goes into the Gestation period (pregnancy period) and the time is about 150 days. After the end of gestation period goat can give birth to a single goat or twins or triplets. After the female goat has given birth, she will eat the placenta which gives her most needed nutrients, helps to control blood flow and also reduces the birth scent to predators.
After ‘Kidding’ the female goat will enter a period called ‘Freshening’. This is where she begins her milk production. A healthy Doe will produce 6 pounds of milk per day while she is in ‘milk’. The Doe will milk her Kid until it is ready for weaning at about 10 – 12 weeks old. Neutering early prevents the development of aggressive behavior and nasty buck goat smells.